Delmore is the personal project of Darren Delmore, a San Luis Obispo native who worked at wineries across both hemispheres before returning to his hometown to harness the Central Coast's oceanic influence. In 2017 he used his tax return to buy a ton of Pinot Noir and some Syrah from Cambria, and Delmore Wines was born.
The Winemaker
Darren learned to craft Pinot Noir at Hirsch Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, Goldeneye in Anderson Valley, and Whitethorn Winery in Humboldt County before founding his own label. He also works in national and export sales at Tablas Creek.
The Region
Delmore focuses on California's Central Coast, drawing on cool, ocean-influenced coastal sites that preserve freshness and lend the wines a saline, savory edge.
Vineyards and Farming
The fruit comes from organic or biodynamic coastal vineyards, with longstanding work alongside the Bassi and Stolo vineyards for Syrah and Pinot Noir.
Winemaking
The through-lines at Delmore are native fermentations with minimal sulfur additions, some whole-bunch inclusion, and elevage in neutral wood. The wines are wild-fermented, low in sulfites, vegan, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, all in tiny quantities.
The Wines
Delmore specializes in Pinot Noir and cool-climate Syrah, made in small lots that showcase individual coastal sites.